{"id":6960,"date":"2016-10-04T23:33:10","date_gmt":"2016-10-04T23:33:10","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.fastframeoflodo.com\/blog\/?p=6960"},"modified":"2016-10-04T23:52:49","modified_gmt":"2016-10-04T23:52:49","slug":"why-does-custom-picture-framing-cost-so-much","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/5280customframing.com\/blog\/why-does-custom-picture-framing-cost-so-much\/","title":{"rendered":"Why Does Custom Picture Framing Cost So Much?"},"content":{"rendered":"

(Article by The Frame & I Gallery & Frame Shop. Photos by FastFrame of LoDo)<\/em><\/p>\n

\"Why<\/p>\n

Good question! Have you ever gone to a frame shop and been surprised by the cost of professional picture framing?<\/h3>\n

This is actually a pretty common reaction to hearing the cost of anything built by a professional to custom specs.\u00a0 It\u2019s not only picture frames that can seem pricey\u2026 Think of handmade one-of-a kind furniture, tailored clothes, handmade shoes, fine art, tattoos, designer eyeglasses, hiring a chef for an evening\u2026 anything at all that requires a professional to help you do your project right! It can even be the plumber or the electrician, the cabinet maker or tile installer, the auto mechanic who puts superior brakes on your car, the waiter or waitress who delivers exceptional service, or any number of professions that are skilled and capable of doing the work for you beautifully. Do these things sometimes cost a bit more than off the shelf stuff? Sure, but they\u2019re worth it!<\/p>\n

\"Why<\/p>\n

That being said, picture framing is perceived as so expensive for many reasons. So let\u2019s talk about value<\/strong>, which is really the operative word here! Value is a word that is synonymous<\/em> with expensive, but the meanings are sometimes almost opposites. Where \u201cexpensive\u201d typically means something priced above its actual worth, \u201cvalue\u201d means it\u2019s worth what it\u2019s priced.<\/em> Picture framing is then a valuable thing to do, not an expensive thing to do \u2013 because when it\u2019s done right it really does add value to the item that\u2019s being framed. Sure, some throw-away items are not worth it. That\u2019s what thumbtacks are for!\u00a0 A great frame not only preserves and protects its contents, it is a work of art in its own right. This awesomely designed work of framing art enhances and elevates the object it frames.\u00a0 We once heard it said that a frame is a halo on the art; we\u2019ve also heard it said that \u201cThe frame is the reward of the artist.\u201d -Degas.<\/p>\n

\"Why<\/p>\n

A good frame isn\u2019t just a means to an end\u2026 hanging a picture is only a little part of what the frame does. Frames give a piece its character, its provenance, and help to tell the story of the art or object inside \u2013 all the while quietly serving and protecting the frame contents.\u00a0 It takes a professional who\u2019s been trained in the art of design, and the technical aspects of framing, to make a beautiful frame that protects its contents. These items aren\u2019t just glued in! They\u2019re usually attached by hand using the least invasive methods possible and the goal is to do no harm.<\/p>\n

\"WhyLet\u2019s talk about picture framers. Independent picture framers are a very unique group of artists and craftspeople who have a desire to help you display your treasures. They\u2019re not out to get you, they\u2019re not getting rich; but they are making a living! Now\u2026 Some of the issues that are important to framers are preservation, decoration, and engineering\"Whyg\/technical aspects of how to hang something on the wall.<\/p>\n

A good framer will discuss all of these elements with you and give you suggestions to really show off your frame-able item. They\u2019re not going to automatically assume you want the cheapest option, because that isn\u2019t always the best option! They\u2019ll recommend glass that prevents fading of the mats and contents of the frame; they\u2019ll show you a frame that\u2019s the right size and color to really show off the items in the frame. What they\u2019re after is the very best display for your items. That doesn\u2019t mean it HAS to cost a lot though! If you let your framer know you\u2019re working with a budget, they will do their best to show you selections and offer suggestions of ways to work with that budget. Many independent framers offer good quality, affordable framing options. Just ask them!<\/p>\n

\"Why<\/p>\n

A great framer is like a great hair stylist, really. They make you look SO good! Just like a great haircut compliments your face and showcases your style, a great frame compliments your frame-ables and shows off their best assets. You don\u2019t want to trust it to just anyone. It\u2019s important to shop around and get to know who\u2019s who, especially in picture framing. You\u2019d be amazed at the talent out there!<\/p>\n

\"WhyBut let\u2019s talk about something serious. Doing your own framing using ready-mades or cheap internet services is kinda like giving yourself a haircut with regular hair clippers. It will be passable, and if you practice a few times it might even look really good\u2026 but at the end of the day at best it looks like everyone else\u2019s home haircut. Some days, this is perfectly fine and for some folks, it is good enough. But we all know that if you want it to be really special you go to a pro. Or if it comes out really bad, the pro is there to fix it for you<\/p>\n

\"WhyA professional framer\u00a0is an artist (usually a humble one). They want to enhance the object or art being framed. So the frames they help you choose will really look great and unique to the project! Why put a boring white mat on EVERYTHING you frame?\u00a0 Why only black or gold or white or brown? Yawnsville! We aren\u2019t living in the 80\u2019s anymore, so choose some frames that are really awesome and unique! Go to a real, local, independent framer and see what else there is out there. Talk to them. See what they suggest. A whole world of colors, textures, fabrics and papers is there for you!<\/p>\n

\"Why<\/p>\n

It may take a little time to\u00a0find a framer you love \u2013 but when you do they will love you back! You will never regret investing in the things you frame. People will be really impressed with your collection and your awesomely framed items will tell your story for you \u2013 just like the books on your shelf do\u2026 if you are one of those people who still has physical books, that is!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

(Article by The Frame & I Gallery & Frame Shop. Photos by FastFrame of LoDo) Good question! Have you ever gone to a frame shop and been surprised by the cost of professional picture framing? This is actually a pretty…<\/p>\n

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